{"id":2040,"date":"2026-07-08T12:47:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T10:47:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iglom.it\/?p=2040"},"modified":"2026-07-08T12:47:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T10:47:21","slug":"iatf-16949-and-the-automotive-aftermarket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iglom.it\/en\/news-2\/iatf-16949-and-the-automotive-aftermarket\/","title":{"rendered":"IATF 16949 and the Automotive Aftermarket"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the automotive aftermarket sector<\/strong>, quality has always played a decisive role in supplier selection. For many years, however, the industry relied on quality management systems that were generally less structured than those adopted in OEM manufacturing. The IATF 16949 standard has traditionally been regarded as a requirement primarily for suppliers serving vehicle manufacturers directly<\/strong>, while for the rest of the supply chain it has often remained more of a technical benchmark than a genuine market requirement.<\/p>\n

Recent sanctioned interpretations published by IATF Global Oversight<\/a> are making this distinction less clear-cut. Automotive aftermarket<\/strong> activities may now fall within the scope of IATF certification, provided they meet the conditions established by the certification scheme. For organisations already certified that manufacture both OEM components and aftermarket parts at the same production site, the inclusion of aftermarket activities within the certification scope will become mandatory by 1 January 2028<\/strong>, as also explained in the technical update published by LRQA on the inclusion of aftermarket parts within the IATF certification scope.<\/a><\/p>\n

For companies operating exclusively in the aftermarket sector, certification remains linked to customer requirements and supplier positioning. This is where the most interesting opportunity emerges. IATF 16949 certification for the aftermarket enables manufacturers to demonstrate that their processes are managed according to standards recognised throughout the automotive industry.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Iglom chose to obtain IATF 16949:2016 certification<\/strong><\/a> as an aftermarket manufacturer before it became a widespread market expectation. This decision was driven by a clear industrial strategy. In the automotive lubricants market, quality, traceability and risk management have a direct impact on a supplier’s credibility.<\/p>\n

IATF 16949 and the Aftermarket Sector<\/h3>\n

The IATF 16949<\/strong> standard defines the requirements for quality management systems in the automotive industry. It builds upon ISO 9001<\/a> by introducing automotive-specific requirements and applies to manufacturing sites producing production parts, service parts or materials intended for motor vehicles.<\/p>\n

Iglom has already explored this topic in the article “IATF 16949: A New Quality Standard for Iglom<\/a>“, explaining how certification supports the production of automotive lubricants and fluids, enhances traceability and strengthens customer requirement management.<\/p>\n

Within the aftermarket sector, this means operating with a quality system capable of documenting every critical stage of the production process, establishing clear acceptance criteria, assessing risks before production begins and maintaining compliance over time. Delivering a compliant batch remains essential\u2014but it is no longer sufficient to qualify a manufacturer if the underlying production process cannot withstand systematic verification.<\/p>\n

For aftermarket parts manufacturers,<\/strong> certification introduces a level of operational discipline much closer to that required within the OEM supply chain. It transforms the way suppliers, raw materials, inspections, records, audits and corrective actions are managed. It also changes the relationship with customers, because quality becomes demonstrable through objective evidence rather than relying solely on declared experience.<\/p>\n

What Changes for an Aftermarket Manufacturer Seeking Certification<\/h3>\n

Obtaining IATF 16949 certification in the aftermarket sector requires a structured review of the quality management system, in line with the requirements of the standard:<\/p>\n